2. The densities of the coinage metals (copper, silver and gold) are as follows:

copper = 8.95 g/cm3
silver = 12.59 g/cm3
gold = 19.32 g/cm3
A sample of material is found to weigh 15.12 grams and have a volume of 1.20 cm3. The sample is most likely which of the coinage metals listed above?

1 answer

To determine which coinage metal the sample is most likely to be, we can compare its density to the densities of copper, silver, and gold.

Density = mass/volume

For the sample, density = 15.12 g / 1.20 cm3 = 12.60 g/cm3

Comparing this value to the densities given for the coinage metals:
- Copper has a density of 8.95 g/cm3, so the sample's density is higher.
- Silver has a density of 12.59 g/cm3, so the sample's density is very close.
- Gold has a density of 19.32 g/cm3, so the sample's density is lower.

Since the sample's density is closest to the density of silver, it is most likely to be silver.